Sablefish

Sablefish, found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean are a very long-lived species, which, along with other factors, makes them inherently vulnerable to fishing pressure. The most recent stock assessments for the U.S. West Coast and Alaskan sablefish populations showed that it is not overfished or experiencing overfishing, according to the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service. Fisheries and Oceans Canada reported that sablefish stock indices have shown a general decline between 2003 and 2012. A Seafood Watch report from 2014 also noted a downward trend in the West Coast sablefish population over the past 40 years and gave it a moderate stock status concern rating.

Most of the sablefish harvest in Alaska is done using longlines, a method considered to cause minimal impact. Pots are increasingly used to catch sablefish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, but there are still so few that there’s little information on the impact, according to the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service. 

Trawls are among the gear used to catch sablefish along the U.S. West Coast, which can cause damage to sensitive seafloor habitats, although they are prohibited in certain areas. Handlines and traps are also used.

Bycatch in the sablefish fishery is considered moderate and includes giant grenadier and arrowtooth flounder as well as species of rockfishes that are currently overfished, according to the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service. Bycatch of seabirds, including endangered birds, has dropped significantly due to improved management measures such as streamer lines to keep birds away from baited hooks. Seafood Watch noted in 2014 reports that there are few true “bycatch” species caught in substantial amounts across all groundfish fisheries.

Sablefish was previously overexploited, but is now considered to be effectively managed. The Alaska sablefish fishery is managed by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which uses individual fishing quotas to ensure the fishery remains sustainable. 

On the West Coast, sablefish are managed with the groundfish fishery. Management measures include area closures and an individual fishery quota system. Seafood Watch reports from 2014 called the West Coast groundfish fishery management strong because it includes updated stock assessments, biomass reference points, harvest control rules, and incorporation of uncertainty when determining catch limits. 

In Canada, the sablefish fishery is managed by the Canadian Sablefish Association and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Measures include stock assessments, limited entry, gear restrictions, area closures, size limits, and a total allowable catch established through the Commercial Groundfish Integration Program.